Will Bumgarner
Editor-in-Chief

As runners flew into the final straightaway, senior star Cedar Nichols-Barnhart made his final push through the pack toward his rival. Just as it looked like he might be fading back, a burst of energy propelled him through the finish line. ‘He passed Shore! Barnhart passed Tate Shore!’ ‘Cedar Nichols Barnhart in 5th place for the Boys’ Cross Country State Championship!’ This moment was the perfect photo finish to a season with so much success. After placing second in the conference, R.J. Reynolds Boys Cross Country went on to place 17th at the North Carolina 4A State Championship. While many had counted the team out in preseason, the hard work and grit they demonstrated changed the trajectory of their season. 

“I didn’t go to States my freshman year for cross country and then went sophomore and junior year,” Nichols-Barnhart said. “This year, we went as a team. [It] was really special to see how we’ve gotten better over the years and to have my boys on the start line with me.”

Over the past couple of years, there has been a culture shift in the RJR Cross Country program as they have become a very dedicated and disciplined group. 

I think what we bring to meets is just a different mentality than other schools have,” senior captain Micheal Bullock said. “When we’re all in line, other schools might be joking around, but we’re just completely quiet. We’re ready to go.”

The team’s perspective on the sport and their motivation has played a huge part in all the individual success. 

“The sport is so based on what you put in, so it’s just important that people just keep showing up and keep putting the work in,” Nichols-Barnhart said. “I think that’s so much easier to do when you have this support system of other people there with you staying consistent, getting the work in, and motivating you through it, reminding you to do the little things right to build a strong base for yourself.” 

Bullock, in particular, has been impacted by the leadership of the team, joining XC his junior year and becoming a top fifty runner in the state in less than two years. 

“Honestly, it was really amazing because I’ve really never had a mentor for sports,” Bullock said. “I think Cedar and Andrew [York] are excellent role models for me because they’re extremely dedicated. They’re great leaders and were just great captains.” 

Being a part of a team means hundreds of hours together: training, learning, having meals, and even just talking. Such an environment has the opportunity to create strong bonds and chemistry between teammates. 

“I’m not really good at making friends or meeting new people,” Bullock said. “I think being on this team has led to some of the closest friends I’ve ever had, and it’s really awesome because I’ve never really been close with a lot of people.”

Such a positive and productive culture has been cultivated through strong leadership in recent years, creating a space for everyone to thrive. 

“For the girls, it’s our team captain, Cora Hawfield,” sophomore runner Emmi McLawhorn said. “She’s been so sweet and welcoming, and she’s such a big inspiration for the whole team. For the boys, it’s their team captain, Cedar Nichols-Barnhart. He makes you want to truly work towards your goals. He’s been supportive to not only the boys’ team but the girls’ team as well.”

The girl’s team faced many setbacks and injuries this season, hindering some of their potential. However, with many young stars, such as the conference’s top freshman, Kate Beeler, they are sure to make noise in the coming years. 

“We all want to build an incredible program and stay consistently good for years to come,” Nichols-Barnhart said. “We have a lot of sophomores and freshmen who have an insane work ethic, good talent, and they’ll have each other to work off of, so I don’t see why they can’t go do more incredible things.”

While recent leaders have shifted the trajectory of the program’s success, their impact extends well beyond running. A true community has been created within RJR Cross Country that is sure to foster years of accomplishment. 

“I think that no matter what we do, I’m so proud of my teammates,” Bullock said. “I just know we’ll do it together, and we’ll be happy with that result.”